SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: THE DEATH OF KING FAHD

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 003462

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, LONDON FOR TSOU; PARIS FOR
ZEYA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KPAO KISL PREL KU
SUBJECT: SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: THE DEATH OF KING FAHD


1. SUMMARY: Kuwaiti commentators universally mourned King
Fahd as a true Islamic leader and a special friend of
Kuwait. The timing of his death, on the eve of the 15th
anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, led many
writers to remember the special support Saudi Arabia
offered Kuwait as a refuge for exiled Kuwaitis and a
staging ground for the U.S.-led liberation. Writing in Al-
Watan, Saud Al-Samaka wrote: "The loss of King Fahd is a
loss for Kuwait too. The man stood by us, and did his very
best and more when we needed him, at the time when our
aggressor neighbor invaded our country. He opened his
country for us and contained us until the tyrant was ousted
and Kuwait got its freedom back." END SUMMARY.


2. Writing in Al-Rai Al-Aam on August 2, Dr. Wael Al-
Hasawi, the former editor-in-chief of Islamist Al-Furqan
magazine, wrote: "The departure of King Fahd comes after a
long march full of significant achievements . First, he
spent billions of U.S. dollars to expand the area of the
Two Holy Mosques of Mecca and Medina to accommodate the
capacity crowd of worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques. And
second is his distinguished stance during the heathenish
invasion and occupation of Kuwait. Kuwaitis are still heard
saying were it not for the help from the Almighty and great
efforts exerted by big powers such as the United States and
King Fahd, Kuwait would never have been liberated from the
notorious invasion and occupation."


3. Writing in pro-government daily Al-Anba on August 2,
Hassan Al-Sayegh wrote: "It is so sad King Fahd left for
his heavenly abode on the eve of the 15th anniversary of
Saddam's invasion of Kuwait. Late King Fahd was a
distinguished person who totally rejected the Iraqi
invasion and occupation of Kuwait and offered his absolute
support for the legitimate Kuwaiti leadership, in addition
to significantly contributing to the liberation of Kuwait
from the Iraqi occupation."


4. Writing in independent daily Al-Qabas on August 3, Saud
Al-Samaka wrote: "The loss of King Fahd is a loss for
Kuwait too. The man stood by us, and did his very best and
more when we needed him at the time when our aggressor
neighbor invaded our country. He opened his country for us
and contained us until the tyrant was ousted and Kuwait got
its freedom back. King Fahd was a leader in an
international coalition that was based in Saudi Arabia,
where mass armies marched to liberate Kuwait . King
Abdullah is the best successor of a good predecessor. He is
known for his wisdom and knowledge. With God's will he will
lead his country to a better future."


5. Writing in Al-Watan on August 3, Islamist Shaykh Dr.
Jassem bin Mohammed bin Muhalhal Al-Yassine wrote: "When we
talk about the late King's achievements, we remember a long
history that brought our two nations together. The Father
Amir [of Kuwait] and King Fahd had special relationships,
which were reflected in the unique and strong ties between
the two nations. This relationship will no doubt continue
under the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
King Abdullah. May God give him the strength to achieve
additional progress."


6. Writing in Al-Watan on August 3, Nahar Al-Makrad wrote:
"Our consolation after the death of King Fahd is in the
pledge of allegiance that Saudis will give to the new
monarch of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah. Saudi Arabia will
continue to live in peace and richness under his
leadership. HRH has been known for his eagerness to
continue the mission of his brother. We also find comfort
in the wise choice to appoint Prince Sultan bin AbdulAziz
the Crown Prince."


7. Writing in pro-government Al-Seyassah on August 3, owner
and editor-in-chief Ahmed Al-Jarallah wrote: "King Abdullah
is capable of filling the void left by King Fahd. He is
capable of following in the footsteps of King Fahd. He can
easily handle his responsibilities both inside and outside
the Kingdom. He is also up to the task of establishing a
new model of modern Islam . King Abdullah is one among the
world leaders who have adopted modern Islamic teachings to
fight and defeat terrorism. He has succeeded in striking a
balance between international demands and protecting the
uniqueness of his society. With the continuation of this
policy of wise leadership, stability and happiness await
Saudi Arabia.

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